Tap into your Soul! Geoff Achison shows how to get the most out of your instrument. From basic blues chords and simple scales you'll discover how monster music can be made. Flat-pick & finger style, dynamic rhythm and lead techniques are covered as well as some hot jamming tips.

After writing songs for a living for almost 30 years, I've come to the conclusion that there is no right or wrong way to write a song. Some write for money, some write for love. Some folks write in the morning, some late at night. Some keep notebooks of Biblical proportions, some keep it all their heads. Some smoke cigarettes and drink beer while others write stone cold sober eating a vegan salad. Some write in bed, some in cramped little offices or motel rooms or all night coffee shops. Some constantly record every little idea that pops into their head while others don't write until they're already in the recording studio. It doesn't matter to me as long as a good song gets written. Using my own songwriting experience, as well as techniques and insights I've picked up from a wide variety of songwriters over the years, I'll try to expose students to various methods (and non-methods) of getting the job done. I will focus primarily on "roots" songwriting styles (blues, folk, country, Celtic ballads, rockabilly, etc) and how they've been borrowed and adapted by everyone from Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams to Bob Dylan and many current songwriters. The class will be guitar- based but any and all musician/songwriters are more than welcome.

Extend your knowledge of the guitar style of the most influential Delta blues artists as interpreted by celebrated guitarist Rory Block. She will demystify the licks, runs, strums, bass lines, turnarounds and other important guitar elements that reflect characteristic hard driving roots music.

An expert in a variety of Roots styles, Spencer presents a tour de force from the primitive rural blues to delta slide guitar, urban shuffles and ragtime. He also regales the class with stories of the musical routes that connect black sharecroppers with Appalachian hillbillies and urbane city musicians. From pickin' to history, this workshop has it all.

An introduction to America's treasure trove of blues, country, folk, and gospel music, using simple methods and tricks designed to get maximum music from your guitar with minimal technique. Geared toward vocal accompaniment, this workshop also includes casual anecdotes, historical footnotes, and musical philosophy, plus instruction and songs in all the relevant keys. A basic knowledge of first position chords and simple strumming patterns is suggested.

This workshop will focus on licks and tricks developed by some of the country blues guitar masters of the 1920's and 30's, some of whom mentored Roy directly, in the 1960's. Roy tries to "spiral" each special chord or trick into subsequent tunes so the students become accustomed to applying the finger positions in different keys. We will study many turn-arounds, endings and chord inversions. Much of what we will work on can be used in "jazzing up" tunes that you already play. Says Roy "Although I travelled and studied with The Rev. Gary Davis and gained inspiration from his style, I do not really sound like him. But was a great influence on my playing. It is important for each player to develop his own sound, but it doesn't hurt to borrow from the past and share in an important legacy."

Students.....this is a rare opportunity to learn first hand from one of the few guitar players so accomplished as to have his own true style. David Bromberg will be elegantly passing on his musical insights and showing students both left and right hand techniques as well as practical chord structure and harmony. As an added bonus, David and Jorma will be offering a joint class in which they teach the fundamentals of finger style guitar duet arrangements.

Limited to 8 students, $1,500.00 includes 12 hours of class time, 1/2 hour massage, single cabin, and gourmet food.

This workshop will focus on rhythm concepts (african, jazz, funk, polyrythms); harmony (chord structure and shapes for six string bass, basic jazz and classical harmony); listening (specific artists from various styles of music; emotional and spiritual aspects of music. How can we infuse out music with our emotions as

This workshop introduces pedal steel guitar with instruction tailored to the needs of the participants. You will progress from whatever is your level of competence, and advance your skills.

This workshop introduces basic scales, left and right hand techniques and simple bass lines. Soon, students will learn the skill of "walking" the basses, playing shuffle feels, blues progressions, extended lines and octave substitutions with patient instruction from a master player. You will get hands -on experience, learning fundamentals and creating the rhythmic drive for country, blues and rock styles.

This class is for those gaining proficiency at learning the neck and fingering positions, and who have a basic understanding of chord progressions and construction of the song form in general. In this workshop we emphasize right hand technique, with particular attention to accuracy of note placement, rhythm combinations, dexterity, and broadening of tone. With the fretboard hand, we will examine finger placement and smooth note execution.

This workshop is for proficient players and will include honing of right hand and left hand technique, but put emphasis on some of the real detail to a performance as if one were actually making a recording. We will address meter, note placement, arrangement ideas, thus growing and polishing a song as a whole piece to the finish. We will work in a recording studio environment.

This Dobro workshop will be taught in G tuning, with some variations in both that and musical styles and ideas as well. One-on-one instruction will also be scheduled. This class is geared at players with some proficiency, but less experienced players are welcome if familiar with bar and pick technique, and have a basic understanding of the instrument.

This workshop explores various styles including Delta and Piedmont along with gospel, ragtime, folk and country blues. Some slide and lap style guitar will be taught. We will work on runs, chord shapes, bass runs, right hand picking, rhythm figures, back picking , double-time patterns, vibrato, string bends and much more. The lessons are geared perfectly at those who love, and desire greater proficiency at playing the traditional blues.

This workshop will focus on jazz chords, chord scales, and diminished and augmented arpeggios for both single notes and chords representing the fine points of jazz harmony. There will be extensive examination of chord substitutions and the way the scales change as the substitutions occur.

Students will be expected to be able to negotiate at least one major and one minor chord scale. The goal is attaining flexibility with interval shapes as they relate to altered chords.

We will employ both fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques. The flatpicking will focus on alternate up/down strokes, plus the all down-stroke style of players such as Charlie Christian. Fingerstyle playing will be used in achieving a modicum of counterpoint between chords and bass lines.

Use of amplification or non-amplification will also be addressed. Licks and clichés will be tolerated but not encouraged. The goal is to provide players with tools for creating fresh and spontaneous ideas.

Our past "Couples Weekends" were so well received that we decided to bring it back again in 2006.This weekend is basically the same as most weekends except each student attends with their significant other. While the student is in the instrument workshop, the partner attending will be getting pampered with massages, facials, stress therapy, yoga, spiritual toning and more. Sharing the experience of the weekend with evening campfire jams and scrumptious gourmet meals; each person will become a part of the weekend in a unique way. Take a mini vacation during the Summer season in the captivating, rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley. We have a special treat waiting for everyone.

See schedule for a list of instructors and workshops.

Newgrass innovator Cowan will rally his extraordinary music experience and acumen in motivating his workshop students to new vocal frontiers.

This workshop offers the details of Guy's dynamic guitar techniques and will encompass several styles as a showcase for turnarounds, runs, use of the slide and his unique fingerpicking style. You will thus add powerful licks and ideas to your song accompaniments and blues-playing skills.

From the Delmore Bros' infectious boogies through Louis Jordan's jump style grooves, this hands-on workshop will sharpen your ears, tighten your timing, and broaden your playing horizons. From bottleneck blues to classic swing, versatile Mike Dowling is known for his solid rhythm and tasty chops and he'll share his 40 years of playing and teaching experience in this roots-based workshop. The class can go in many directions but the focus will be on blues, swing, and ragtime repertoire as you learn new techniques, syncopations, chord progressions and the elements of improvisation. But be warned: you may just pick up some practical music theory along the way. There will be lots of playing! Suitable for both plectrum and fingerpickers.

This workshop for experienced bassplayers will have multiple foci, including: Getting a good sound with the best instrument/amp set-up; establishing a solid groove/timing; developing facility over the full range of the fingerboard by working with scales, arpeggios, chord patterns and left/right hand technique; creating bass lines from drum grooves (in blues, rock, jazz styles); improvisation using chord/scale theory.

We will also consider recording techniques, music business, experiences in the studio, improvising techniques involving chord/scale theory and developing melodies. We'll prepare to perform as a bass orchestra, too!

We will explore many of the basic techniques, including right and left hand patterns, in the gospel-blues guitar style of Reverend Gary Davis. Though his playing is known for its high degree of virtuosity, this class will offer a way into the Reverend's technique that is both easy to grasp and easy to build on. Songs to include such Davis standards as "Oh Glory," "Sally, Where'd You Get Your Liquor From," and "Cocaine Blues."

This workshop focuses on East Coast and ragtime guitar techniques and tunes as defined by Blind Blake, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller and others. We will explore both standard and open tunings and practice right hand techniques such as drag thumb syncopation. Reading of tablature helps but is not required. Songs include "Police Dog Blues" "Jivin' Woman Blues." and more.

"CGP" Tommy Emmanuel, at the peak of his career as one of the world's prominent guitarists, will lead his workshop through the magic of skillbuilding, chord variety exercises that make magic from original songs, arrangements and standards.

This workshop is an introductory course in blues guitar playing. We will cover minor and major blues scales, string bending and vibrato; on blues chording and rhythms, and song structure. Students will come away with a strong understanding of how blues is played and will be playing the blues before the weekend is over. Familiarity with at least first position chords is expected.

The workshop will focus on flatpicking technique from the old traditional schools to new modern approaches. Using individual and group exercises we will explore Beppe's repertoire using different "crosspicking" and "tremolo" forms. Included will be technique, rhythm, improvisation and arrangement, Licks and strumming patterns.

As I wander all over the world playing my original songs, I almost always hear from the audience that they are amazed how "true" my songs are, how they feel "real." I believe that this is why my songs resonate, because the people believe that what they are saying is true. In this workshop,we will explore what "the truth" means to a songwriter. What is artistic credibility? How does it relate to "the truth"? Harlan Howard, the dean of the Nashville songwriters always said that to him "Country music is simply Three Chords and the Truth." A simple idea, but simple is very, very hard to get to. It's almost always right outside of our reach. Simple is hard? Yep, it's hard. We all know the truth when we hear it, but why is it so hard to get to the truth when we are writing a song? We will delve into this notion and together push the envelope of our creativity. Required reading for this class: If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland. Book available here.

Tone, timing, dynamics, composition, arranging: these are the central foci of Ed's classes. Bring a few pieces you can play (preferably fingerstyle, but all styles are possible);these will serve as raw material. Individualized sessions will be included in an encouraging atmosphere. We'll take what you already play and improve it by applying concepts that yield powerful musical results.

This workshop will address a wide variety of folk, blues and ragtime arrangements based on the music of Rev. Gary Davis. These will range from his "old fashion picking" arrangements of Cocaine Blues to his Blues in C (i.e. "Walkin' Dog Blues" and "Hesitation Blues") to the more advanced ragtime solos in "Make Believe Stunt" and "Cincinatti Flow Rag". Rev. Davis' thumb/index right hand technique will be explored with single string licks and rhythmic rolls It is highly recommended that student's listen to Rev. Davis' "Blues & Ragtime Guitar" CD on Shanachie Records (SH 97024).

This workshop will focus on intensive, yet straightforward approaches to the basic techniques of jazz, funk and classical guitar playing. The goal is to provide a unifying theme that joins the diverse guitar world styles into a simple comprehensible whole. You'll learn how to develop your chops, how different styles demand different approaches to technique, and why. You'll also learn about arranging and improvising in different styles, and focusing your practice time more effectively.

This is a workshop for diehard acoustic blues fans. Beginning with introductions, Ernie will tailor his presentation for the specific interests of the participants, but feature style, repertoire and theory. The examples are drawn from the accessible models of Texas blues and East coast ragtime-blues fingerpicking, particularly the style of Rev. Gary Davis. We will also touch upon the CAGED system which decodes the fingerboard. As a followup, this session can be supplemented by Ernie's instructional DVDs.

Ever watch a blues or jazz guitarist running effortlessly all over the neck and wonder how it is done? The CAGED System provides the answer. Called the "logic of the fretboard", this is an accessible, easy method that brings theory into your fingers and into musical action. You will learn how blues may be played in any position along the neck, in any key. This system associates all the chord inversions with the passing chords that connect them. Thus It enables transposition of any chord, chord progression, scale, arpeggio, or riff. This is the kind of knowledge that sets you free!

Legendary guitarist Warren Haynes will share the magic of his passionate playing and performance skill in a workshop that promises to be an adventure in exploring the limits of emotion-drenched, artful guitar mastery.

Chris Hillman, founding member of the Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Desert Rose Band and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will bring 44 years of recording and performing experience to share. His workshop will provide instruction in singing (lead and harmony vocals) and songwriting, along with mandolin for developing players.

This workshop focuses on right hand technique. (control, groove ,speed); left hand technique. (using all god- given fingers); timing and groove (the foundations of solid playing); hot and not-so-hot licks (Pete will share his back pocket collection.); how listening promotes good jamming and better music. The secret is in the listening!

A modern troubadour of roots & blues, Jacobs-Strain's extensive knowledge of music history informs his playing with an authenticity that is startling for his age. This workshop will focus on the texture and the feeling that evokes the music, rather than rote memorization of the songs. Skills learned can be applied to a range of songs in the blues styles, and interpreted on steel or acoustic guitar. Vocalization techniques will also be explored and put into practice during class.

This workshop will focus on fingerstyle and slide guitar, including Steve's own techniques and arrangements alongside those he learned from past masters such as Sam McGee and Furry Lewis. Steve uses tablature, chord diagrams and elements of basic music theory, along with numerous anecdotes and musical historical asides to give additional life and color to the songs and themes he presents. Hot licks, handy chords and roots rhythms will be taught and tailored to the group.

Delta and Piedmont style blues will both be explored. Included in most workshops will be gospel, ragtime, folk and country styles. Additionally, some slide and lap style guitar will be taught. Students will learn runs, chord shapes, bass runs, right hand picking, rhythm figures, back picking , double-time patterns, vibrato, string bends and much more. This workshops are a must for anyone who loves traditional blues.

This workshop explores essential fingerstyle fundamentals using Jorma's repertoire as a vehicle. We will emphasize alternating bass, and melody lines that break out of pattern picking. Variations used within the songs will include chord inversions up the neck, as well as typical licks and fills characteristic of songs in different keys. It will be assumed that students have familiarity with first position chords, and may even have substantial experience as lead or rhythm guitarists. Examples of some songs covered in recent classes include Keep on Truckin; Nine Pound Hammer; Search My Heart; I Know You Rider. Jorma will break down each piece methodically and provide individual attention to each student as the songs are built. Teaching assistant Marjorie Thompson will support this instruction with the individual mini- tutorials in class, after class review sessions, and class notes that reflect each piece as it is developed, with partial tabs, chord patterns, notations and alternatives. She will also make clean recordings of Jorma's renditions reflecting the class notes. These and other handouts (lyric sheets, etc), along with CD copies of the recordings, will be assembled and sent to each participant in the weeks following as a "Jorma pack" for continued study.

For players with a well honed thumb, and fingerstyle experience, Jorma will employ his effective teaching technique of presenting his songs by breaking them down into comprehensible parts. He will demonstrate the variety of licks, runs and embellishments that provide style and nuance, and also represent a vocabulary of tools that may be used in various keys. This is an excellent repertoire- building workshop, and will encourage skills that can also be applied to original music, improvisation and arranging.

This workshop is for the experienced fingerstyle player with a substantial repertoire, seeking advancement and detailing. Focusing on a few choice songs, the class will explore how these may be turned into performance pieces with emphasis on right and left hand dynamics, timing, tasteful improvisation and feeling. It is expected that participants will have taken one or usually more classes with Jorma, or demonstrate equivalent experience basing on a screening of submitted material.

A special Level 2 "Weekend with Jorma." This will be an exclusive workshop with Jorma and his teaching assistant, Marjorie Thompson.

There are several special features to this session, including single accommodations, a polarity therapy/massage session, and individualized instruction sessions with the instructors.

For the full description see above for Jorma, Fingerstyle guitar, Level 2.

This workshop will take a two-pronged approach to the art of songwriting. An experienced composer, (for Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, and others), Will Kimbrough will first present and evaluate examples from his own repertoire. Students' own work will then be critiqued, with the goal of encouraging an open minded, but critical, approach to the craft. In addition, the class will consider accompaniments that can be tailored to the song, including instrument-doubling, uses of open tunings,slide, electric and acoustic options.

This workshop will focus on the role of a guitar player in a small group or as a soloist playing both lead and rhythm.

We will explore guitar styles that have been utilized by Bill playing with Commander Cody, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Doug Sahm, Gene Vincent, Emmylou Harris and his own group, Too Much Fun. We'll cover twang and where to find it, swing and Western swing, a little bit of chicken pickin' as heard on my Grammy nominated instrumental "Poultry in Motion", and good old rock n roll. Bonus: learn the lick from "Hot Rod Lincoln"!

In this workshop, we will take a look at some of the pieces in Pickin'n'Squintin'. We will focus on details such as right hand technique (some unorthodox); rolls; bends that imitate steel guitar phrasing, controlling the pitch of single and double bends, and how open tunings can suggest melodic development. We will also address how we understand and deliver our sound when it comes to its amplification in an onstage scenario.

Mandatory Reading for Adrian Legg's class: Pickin' N' Squintin' (Paperback 88 pages) 12 solo acoustic guitar pieces from this award-winning fingerstyle master, ordered in an ascending degree of difficulty. Titles include: "Anu," "Chicken Lickens's Last Ride," "Cogings Glory," "The Irish Girl," "Kinvarra's Child," "L'Amour Manque," "Last Track," "Mrs. Crowe's Blue Waltz," "Mrs Jack's Last Stand," "Nail Talk," "Nanci" and "Queenie's Waltz." Features performance notes by Adrian Legg, tablature and standard notation, and for each song, a photo and listing of the recording on which it is included. (2000 Cherry Lane Music). Purchase it here.

This workshop will approach a wide variety of styles with the incomparable versatility of David's expansive skill set that transcends any one instrument, but applies to many. The class will explore various techniques and applications to a variety of stringed instruments. Drawing from American folk, blues and world music, Lindley incorporates a exciting diversity in his playing and instruction.

This workshop features an overview of the fingerpicking method that connects the many styles of blues guitar playing. Woody will demonstrate and teach representative songs of the masters and focus on the development of a syncopated and swinging picking style. He will explore ways of improving the texture and groove of the music as well as improvisation techniques. Artists that will be spotlighted include Blind Blake, Big Bill Bronzy, Lonnie Johnson and Rev Gary Davis.

Bob Margolin shares his experience with blues music and relates it to his individual students, informed by his seven years with Muddy Waters' band and twenty-six years leading his own blues band. This workshop is geared at guitar players at all levels who want to deepen their blues playing, and will inspire anyone interested in how soulful blues music works its mojo. Using live and recorded versions of deep blues to intrigue and stimulate, the class will then take the initiative in directing the instructional path. This class mixes history, guitar technique, how instruments function separately and together.

This workshop will utilize John's broad experience with American "old country" music. The class will delve into various alternate tunings (on banjo, he uses 14 different ones!) and how some banjo techniques may be applied to the guitar. The workshop will also consider aspects of the music business, including pursuit of a living; and recording tips and cost issues.

An opportunity to learn from a masterful player and teacher, this workshop will provides technical and academic instruction in a variety of styles associated with the mandolin, especially the legacy of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, and its impact on Swing, Jazz and Blues. We will focus on creative approaches including improvising solos. The course will be tailored to student experience and thus accommodate a range of experience. The format will consist of class lectures and hands-on exercises and may be complemented with individualized instruction.

Peter Mulvey will begin this session by demonstrating a handful of his own songs, playing them and then deconstructing them to illlustrate the moving parts,pistons,gears and mice on little wheels. For the bulk of the workshop, we will focus on: the participants' own songs (including that disassembling process - be ready!) and then various techniques: "alternate tunings as inspiration", "single string theory for intuitive play"; "use of the back of the notebook as the back of the mind". All the techniques are brought back inevitably to the students' own composing process. The instructor will also invite individual sessions outside regular class time.

Lee Roy Parnell brings to this workshop the energy of the Texas bred southern rock tradition. Bringing the stock in trade country blues/roadhouse rock sound into focus, Lee Roy will impart his experience in these styles as well as his insights as a songwriter true to his roots.

Herb's rhythm guitar workshop will focus on basic chords, the use of the capo in finding the right key/position for song accompaniment, lower string accent beats, proper pick selection and some finger picking.

The class will center on country, bluegrass and some folk music. The harmony singing portion of the workshop will address creating two, three, and four part harmony structures in the major and minor chords. Students should bring a song for this purpose (suitable for developing as a duet, trio, or quartet).

In addition to our usual high quality of instruction, this special weekend mixes workshops with scenic motorcycle rides through the magnificent southeast Ohio byways which seem designed for just this purpose. We are an American Motorcycle Association sanctioned event. Bring your bike, ship your guitar and get ready for some pickin' and puttin' and great eatin'!

See schedule for individual workshops offered.

In this hands-on workshop we'll use a number of blues tunes, some familiar and some obscure, to explore blues forms, elements and techniques on the piano including (but not limited to) 12-bar and 8-bar forms; blues rhythms (shuffle, boogie woogie, rumba); turnarounds; left-hand grooves; moving between chords; and various licks and tricks. We'll work on soloing and arranging skills, and accompaniment sensibilities. Students will need to provide their own keyboards and gear. Bring a tape recorder unless your memory is a whole lot better then mine.

This workshop features methodical breakdown of classic blues pieces, with analysis of alternating thumb and three finger picking, and the integration of bass lines into the arrangement. Working on a variety of keys and tunings, you will learn about moveable chords, and standard boogie woogie bass lines to be played while picking riffs on high strings. Del's dynamic presentation are imbued with humor, excitement and tools for adding dimension to your playing.

This workshop will teach advanced and fundamental rhythm techniques including crosspicking, syncopated rhythms, passing chords, chord substitutions and inversions. A variety of right hand patterns combined with left hand technique along with bass runs will be taught. The importance of a solid rhythm player should never be underestimated. As Tony Rice has noted, " Things that I did with the guitar I could not otherwise have done if Wyatt's rhythm guitar had not been there." Come and learn from a master of "Bluegrass Rhythm".

This workshop will discuss songs as expression, and as creative reflection of ourselves. We will address the two aspects of the process: the rush of creative flow, and then the editing portion. The class will be sensitive to student's interests, and will invite their input in steering the class appropriately.

This workshop is for players with a range of keyboard experience, from rudimentary to more proficient. Starting with fairly simple rhythm patterns, students will quickly advance elements of solo playing. Students will learn to build strength and agility with right and left hand techniques. Pete will impart his 42 years of professional experience and provide an encouraging atmosphere for playing together.

Participants should bring: An 88 key weighted action digital electric piano, a small amp, a stool, sustain pedal, and headphones.

This workshop will explore the basics of blues and rock guitar and will provide the tools for creating exciting, dynamic lead solos. you will learn the sound and form of electric guitar from its most elementary licks through improvisational blues and rock playing. Whether you are a new electric guitar enthusiast or experienced, this workshop will improve your playing and expand your knowledge of electric guitar.
Please Note: G. E.'s classes do range in size from 12-16 students.

This workshop focuses on techniques for arranging songs on guitar beyond simple first position chords. Single note and harmonic lines will be explored, both as accompaniment and as an aid to songwriting. This is accomplished in major part by learning examples from the instructor's rich repertoire.
Song construction with particular emphasis on lyrics and phrasing will be discussed, with critiques of the student's own songs as a prominent feature.

Kenny's class will focus on finger style blues, from the monotone bass of Lightnin' Hopkins and other Texas and Mississippi Bluesmen, to the alternating thumb of Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, John Hurt, and Merle Travis. He will also teach his own arrangements which are a melting pot of all these styles. Basic theory (the kind you can really use), ear training, rhythm tricks, and comping will also be covered. Kenny's teaching style is fun, accessible, and effective. This class will surely get your toes tapping and fingers moving.

This workshop focuses on blues guitar stylings. Beginning with the important 'shuffle' rhythm guitar figure, Patrick will demonstrate the construction of lead guitar runs while maintaining 'walking blues' line. These techniques will also be applied to slide or 'bottleneck' guitar styles in both standard and open tunings. Styles will include East Coast Piedmont, Delta and North Mississippi, as well as early Texas and Chicago Blues styles, and can be interpreted on both acoustic and electric guitar.

This workshop will include a variety of hands-on exercises aimed at building songs and arrangements with fingerstyle guitar embellishments. Aimed at those proficient at Level 2 for guitar, we will develop a set of musical "tools" based on the CAGED system including chord inversions, passing chords, and licks typical for a given chord position) that may then be employed in giving color and individual personality to "cover" favorites (including pieces from the repertoires of Hot Tuna, John Hurt, Gary Davis, Dave Van Ronk and others) as well as for building original songs. Specific songs will be taught that demonstrate these principles and can then be used as a "lab" for variations and accompaniments. We will also address the development of a song from a poem or original lyric set, considering how lyrics "speak " in various keys, along with creating groove and feeling with refrains, wordplay and defining riffs.

This workshop will explore the crossfade of songwriting and guitar: Guitar as a songwriting tool - and vice versa; songs as a means of finding new territory on your instrument. Rhythm, groove, technique, etc. combined with rhyme-scheming, structure (or not), idea mining, and general tricks of the trade will be part of this study on how to say what you want to say and sound good doing it.

This workshop will concentrate on steady thumb and alternate thumb style aimed at teaching students how to fingerpick melodies with bass accompaniment. Music models are Mississippi John Hurt, Brownie McGhee, Merle Travis and many others. The teaching style will be based on my "Easy Steps to Fingerpicking" DVD's, a user friendly and non threatening method. Participants should have familiarity with basic first position chords and with strumming accompaniment. Participants will acquire new skills and techniques in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

This workshop will focus on the key elements needed to begin playing classic country lead guitar. While a Telecaster is the traditional choice for this style, it is not mandatory. The techniques learned here will translate easily and widen the scope for blues and rock players as well. We will explore chording, scales, low string twang, chicken picking, double stops and of course pedal steel type string bending. This course will also include some historical discussion on the early masters of this style, as well as the gear best suited for getting that HOT COUNTRY SOUND. It is expected that participants will have some facility with Guitar but are new to this genre of playing.

Sally's renowned slide style combines country blues, bluegrass, and all that fits between. This will be a hands- on workshop that will include the basics of Lap Slide acoustic guitar playing but will concentrate further on analyzing bass-line grooves, sliding harmony figures, and a load of the great riffs that are at the heart of her powerful accompaniments. A strong focus will be put on these all-important techniques: tone production, phrasing, intonation and melody. This class will be for the intermediate to the more advanced slide player, but beginning level players welcome IF already familiar and comfortable with bar and pick technique and have a basic understanding of the instrument. Class will be taught primarily in GBDGBD tuning, with DADF#AD as well. Together we can explore beyond the boundaries that we all tend to set in music. You must have either a Resophonic guitar OR a guitar that is set up for lap slide height, a good tone bar, and picks as well as a recording device.

Expand any song's apparent boundaries by adding your own finger style solos. In this workshop you will study blues scales and hot licks and how these may be combined with very simple bass lines. This will provide exciting new dimension and flexibility. You'll be quickly applying these ideas to everything you play.

This course is designed for proficient fingerstyle players who have never played slide as well as those who want to expand their slide playing into new and exciting areas. You will learn techniques for proper intonation, damping, fretting and sliding at the same time. You'll also become familiar with behind the slide licks, open tunings, bass runs, percussive slapping and snapping techniques, WAY cool turnarounds and hot licks. You will then add these exciting techniques to songs from Blind Willie Johnson, Muddy Waters, Blind Willie McTell and many others.

Toby studied the Bentonia (Skip James) style from the late Mississippian blues great Jack Owens, a resident of Bentonia and friend of Skip. Their techniques will be incorporated as well.

You've heard "Hesitation Blues" and other Hot Tuna songs played by everyone - including yourself. You can tell note for note what's going to be played next. Want to 'kick it up a notch'? This class will give you the ability to really spice up that Tuna. Not just a class with new licks, but new concepts on how to improvise on some of some of your favorite Jorma and Jack tunes. You'll leave this class with the ability to cook your Tuna in a variety of new and exciting ways! Bon appetit!

FPR on the Road will be a special weekday session taking place in Desert Hot Springs, California, at the Miracle Springs Resort and Spa: (Mon check in, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri recap) $1,750.00.